Myanmar protests stall fuel imports, drive up costs

People block a bridge with their cars during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on Feb 17, 2021.- AFP

SINGAPORE (Reuters): Myanmar's refined fuel imports have stalled as protests over the military coup have shut banks and government offices, while a depreciation of its currency has driven up costs, five industry sources said.

Myanmar relies heavily on gasoline and diesel imports as its refineries are too small and old to meet its fuel needs. One source said imports may make up as much as 98 per cent of Myanmar's fuel consumption.